What
is Archaeology?Have you
ever imagined yourself to be an archaeologist, exploring the mysteries of
the past and uncovering ancient artifacts? Archaeology
is much more than
digging up wonderful objects. In fact, some of the most important finds
at archaeological sites
are pieces of trash left behind by ancient inhabitants. These burnt nutshells,
animal bones, or small stone chips left over from toolmaking can tell us
a lot about how people lived.

Why
Field Work?Research
questions and a plan of action are the reasons behind archaeological fieldwork.
Many questions about the lives of ancient people cannot be answered unless
archaeologists perform excavations or surveys in the field. They are looking
for objects left behind that may help answer questions.

Sometimes
state and federal laws require the protection of archaeological sites.
For instance, when a new highway is planned archaeologists survey the
area and record sites before the highway is constructed.

Steps
in Doing Field Work

There
are several steps involved in the archaeological process-before, during,
and after the ground is broken. They include